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QC07172014

FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com JULY 17, 2014 • The Queens Courier 29 THE COURIER/Photo by Sal Licata Map courtesy Metropolitan Transportation Authority The MTA released this map showing the network of buses that will connect Long Island riders to subway stations in Queens, in the event of an LIRR strike. Someone left this vulgar message for the unions representing LIRR workers about the impending strike. What to do if there is an LIRR strike Bayside rider sends foul message to potential LIRR strikers BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com @liamlaguerre As the potential LIRR worker strike draws near, an angered rider in Bayside is sending a strong message to the unions that represent the employees. “Let the a—-h— strike. F— -em!!!” said the vulgar messages, which were spotted by The Queens Courier scattered on sidewalks and a tree near the 41st Avenue Bayside LIRR station. The letters aren’t the only proof of the building frustration for the sides to reach a deal. New York congressional leaders also announced their disappointment in a statement on July 11 after MTA and union officials couldn’t reach a deal on July 10 despite extensive discussions. Though their message was made in a more formal manner. “We are pleased that representatives from labor and management spent nearly five hours negotiating on Thursday in an effort to ensure the continued operations of the Long Island Rail Road,” the New York delegation said. “We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached without any disruption of rail service, however, we are troubled that no further negotiations are currently scheduled. We strongly urge both parties to work through the weekend to reach a deal to benefit the diverse ridership of the Long Island Rail Road.” BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com/@liamlaguerre Subways, shuttle buses, and even ferries — the MTA is pulling out all the stops to supplement LIRR service if 5,400 workers strike starting on July 20. As contract negotiations with unions continue to fall apart and the impending LIRR strike draws closer each day, the MTA released its contingency plan on July 11 to address the 300,000 riders that would be stranded daily with the loss of the train service. Most of the MTA’s plans focus on Long Island customers, but there are resources and tips for riders from Queens and other boroughs. There will be 4,000 free, secured parking spots at Citi Field and an additional 3,000 spots at Aqueduct Racetrack, where drivers can drop their cars and then take the No. 7 or A trains to work. Through social media and digital platforms, such as Twitter and a LIRR mobile app, agency officials plan to update riders on how many spots are available in the lots and traffic conditions. The transportation agency also hired 350 school buses, which lack air conditioning, to shuttle riders from stations in Long Island to the No. 7 train near Citi Field, the A train in Howard Beach, and also the M and R train station on Woodhaven Boulevard. The buses will run from Long Island into Queens between 4 and 7 a.m. and return to Long Island from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be ferry rides that can carry 1,000 passengers per day from Glen Cove to 34th Street in Manhattan on 40-minute rides. But the MTA warns that parking near to the ferry is very limited. The MTA is encouraging riders to telecommute if they can work from home. According to officials, about 18,000 workers already plan to do so. Through its free lots and shuttle buses, the transportation agency estimates it can handle about 15,000 passengers daily, more than double the 7,000 passengers daily from the 1994 LIRR strike contingency plan. “When the LIRR unions went on strike in 1994, Long Islanders had very limited options. There were no park-andride lots, no ferries, no real-time monitoring, no telecommuting,” said MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast. “Today, the MTA has a far stronger, more robust, multifaceted plan. Working with the state and elected officials from across Long Island and the city of New York, we are providing more shuttle buses, thousands of parking spots near subway stations, a ferry service, real-time traffic management and real-time parking monitoring.” LIRR strike could cost $50M a day BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com @liamlaguerre It could be a total lose-lose situation. Not only could 300,000 riders be denied LIRR service in the event of a strike, but the work stoppage may cost up to $50 million each day in economic activity, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said on July 15. “A LIRR strike would cause headaches and financial hardships for riders and businesses. It would also be another devastating blow to a region that is still struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy and the recession,” DiNapoli said. “Both sides must go the extra mile to reach a reasonable settlement so we can avoid the costly impact of a strike and the millions of dollars in lost economic activity.” DiNapoli said the strike would impact people who use the railroad to connect to attractions in the city, such as Broadway shows, restaurants and shopping. It would also deter people from reaching spots on Long Island such as beaches, golf courses and wineries. Despite the gloomy economic forecast, there seems to be no sign of an agreement forthcoming. On July 14 talks again derailed between the eight unions that represent the LIRR workers and MTA officials, which prompted union lead negotiator Anthony Simon to say that “the strike will begin 12:01 a.m. this Sunday.” MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast said that there is a “gulf” between the transportation agency and the unions and “until they’re ready to move there’s no reason to have negotiations.” THE COURIER/Photo by Sara Touzard An LIRR strike could cost as much as $50 million a day in economic activity.


QC07172014
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